DORI MONSON

Local transgender woman explains her wolf identity to Dori

Feb 2, 2022, 2:58 PM
Naia, wolf...
Naia Okami identifies as a British Columbia wolf. (Photo courtesy of Naia)
(Photo courtesy of Naia)

After a week’s worth of international media attention, Naia Ōkami — a Seattle-area transgender woman who identifies as a British Columbia wolf — came on The Dori Monson Show to explain how her wolf identity makes her good at her job.

Naia is a Georgia native who was born biologically male and transitioned to being a female a few years ago. She told Dori that her gender change and her wolf identify are “two completely, distinctly different things.”

“My wolf identity is more of a spiritual thing,” Naia said. “I don’t feel like I’m physically a wolf. I know I am a human.”

Naia told London’s “This Morning” TV show that she works as an online investigator for a nonprofit organization.

“Obviously, I don’t go into work wearing ears and a tail,” Naia told Dori.

Then, Dori asked, how does this manifest itself?

“Do you dress up and run in the woods like a wolf would?”

“Occasionally, when I’m being expressive on my free time,” Naia replied.

And while in the woods, Dori asked, does Naia’s wolf identity ever want to chase or eat a runt member of another herd?

“Not necessarily,” Naia responded. “That could potentially be very unhealthy.”

Instead, she said, her wolf identity hunts “people who hurt children and animals.”

“My prey just happens to be a bad person, so I kind of feel like a wolf on the hunt, but I’m putting them in jail rather than consuming them,” she said.

On Facebook, Naia cites her job as a crowdsource security researcher.

“Are you sexually attracted to wolves?” Dori wondered.

“Oh, h— no,” Naia responded while laughing.

She also called it a misconception when people call her “the wolf girl that goes around biting people.”

“That’s not aligned with reality,” she said.

Dori explained that many of his questions for Naia were based on his limited knowledge of therians – people who identify as a non-human animal.

“You’re the first wolf I’ve ever talked to,” Dori told Naia. “This whole world is all so very foreign to me. … I’ve heard of furries. I don’t know the difference between someone like you, who puts on the tails and ears, and furries. Is there a difference?”

“Being a furry is a completely different concept,” Naia explained.

Unlike therians, a furry is a fan of an anthropomorphized animal “fursona” – a character that’s not usually a four-legged animal — will dress up and go to conventions.

“A lot of times they’re cartoonish,” Naia said.

“Before I let you go,” Dori asked Naia, “do you howl like a wolf?”

Hear Naia’s howl and Dori’s entire interview with her here:

Listen to Dori Monson weekday afternoons from noon – 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dori Monson on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dori monsonTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 12 noon for The Dori Monson Show.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...
MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.
3 months ago
Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...
MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.
3 months ago
Alaska, fishing...
KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.
3 months ago
Dori Monson Shorecrest...
Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.
3 months ago
Dori Monson Nicole Thompson...
MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.
3 months ago
Dori Monson...
MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.
3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Emergency Preparedness...

Prepare for the next disaster at the Emergency Preparedness Conference

Being prepared before the next emergency arrives is key to preserving businesses and organizations of many kinds.
SHIBA volunteer...

Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options!

If you’re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you!
safety from crime...

As crime increases, our safety measures must too

It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety.
Comcast Ready for Business Fund...
Ilona Lohrey | President and CEO, GSBA

GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund

GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund.
SHIBA WA...

Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help!

The SHIBA program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions.
Lake Washington Windows...

Choosing Best Windows for Your Home

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation.
Local transgender woman explains her wolf identity to Dori